A garage owner received stitches to his head after two masked men broke into his garage and attacked him.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to the burglary which has been described as "particularly violent".
The break-in took place some time between 11pm and 11.45pm on Sunday when the owner of RA Autos in Commerce Way, on the Whitehall Industrial Estate, Colchester, was alone on the premises.
Two men wearing balaclavas over their faces broke in and hit the 52-year-old garage owner over the head.
They then demanded money but when he opened the safe it only contained cigarettes and no cash.
One of the men is described as about 5ft 10in tall, with a muscular build and wearing dark clothing.
The other was slightly shorter at 5ft 8in tall and of slim build. He was also wearing dark clothing.
The garage owner was rushed to hospital and received ten stitches to his head. He also suffered bruising to his face and wounds to the back of his head where he was hit.
Contact Colchester police station on 01206 762212
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2003
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